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Doha - Qatar : MCC Honours Mangalorean Achievers - Celebrates Monti Fest
by Richard D Souza
Public Relations
Doha, Sep 13: MCC Qatar, celebrated montifest on 12th September with typical Mangalorean tradition at the Al Ghazal Club. The programme was attended by almost 700 people from all over konkan Coast, who celebrate the traditional harvest feast.
9 types of vegetables, Rice, Roce & Vorn, were cooked at the house of Jerry and Leena D’Mello by volunteers led by the immediate past president, Norbert Corda . Sannas were cooked in individual houses by volunteers. All the people present lauded the efforts of the club and savored the wonderfully delicious home cooked food, that reminded one and all of the families they have left behind. Hats off to Ivy Rosario, Bessie D'Souza, Jossy D’Souza the culinary magicians of the evening and their team of wonderful cooks, both male and female.
At 7 in the morning people started gathering at the house of founder member Jerry D’Mello. The scene reminded of the bygone days, when people used to gather on the eve of a wedding and prepare all the food at home.
The program started with a procession of children with candles to the stage and sang an opening prayer with Monthi Maye hymn. This was followed by performances from the adults who presented their item for independence day at the ICC and then by the winners of the talent competitions. There were dances, songs and music by children and adults alike.
Club President Mr Alwyn D Souza welcomed the guests and informed them about the various planned activities of the club.
The highlight of the program was the honouring the Creator and Editor-in-chief of the popular Website Daijiworld.com, a journalist par excellence Walter Prakash D Souza who also was the Chief Guest of the evening. Fondly known by his pen name ‘Walter Nandalike’, he was bestowed with the title “KONKAN KOLLO” (Konkan Jasmine) for spreading the fragrance of the brotherhood of Mangaloreans to the people of the world with his dedicated and selfless service through his website Daijiworld.com.
While conducting the presentation ceremony, past president Richard D Souza Compared the website to a wedding ‘matov’ where all “Daijis” gather to celebrate overwhelmed by the fragrance of the jasmine, that is Mr Nandalike. He also reminded the audience that Mr Walter Nandalike is a role model worth following, as he is one of the very few who have rightly used their talents and responded to God’s call.
In his reply Nandalike, with his usual humility, thanked MCC for recognizing his efforts and invited all present to benefit from his website.
Fr. Francis Xavier Gomes, who conducted the 9 days of Novena and celebrated the Feast Mass Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, was present as the guest of honour. Fr. Gomes lauded the way MCC is functioning for the last 16 years and their dedicated service to the community. He expressed his happiness after seeing the unity among members and the greater family spirit, which is true to the spirit of Monti fest.
The other highlights of the program were:
• Honouring Mangalorean community members who have excelled in their field of operation or interest
• Honouring students who excelled in 10th and 12th standard exams
• Distribution of trophies to the winners of Talent Competitions held in May 2008.
• Release of the 7th edition of MCC’s news letter ‘Sugandh’ which was compiled and edited by Joyce Alvares and her team consisting of Amitha D’Souza and Vincent Castelino.
The program was compered by Mr. Alfred Crasta in impeccable Konkani. The stage program was conducted by Mr Sunil D Silva. General secretary Oliver Pereira proposed the vote of thanks
Kudos to Cultural Secretary Reena Castelino and her team for putting together a wonderful and enjoyable program.
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